A client diagnosed with bipolar II disorder has a nursing diagnosis of impaired social interactions related to egocentrism. Which short-term outcome is an appropriate expectation for this client problem?

The client will have an appropriate one-on-one interaction with a peer by day 4.

The client will exchange personal information with peers at lunchtime.

The client will verbalize the desire to interact with peers by day 2.

The client will initiate an appropriate social relationship with a peer.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Bipolar II disorder is characterized by recurrent depressive episodes and at least one episode of hypomania, which is less severe than mania. Clients often experience egocentrism, social withdrawal, and impaired interpersonal functioning during depressive phases. Short-term goals must reflect realistic, measurable progress toward social engagement, beginning with internal motivation before observable behavior.

Rationale for correct answer

3. Verbalizing a desire to interact reflects emerging insight and motivation, which are foundational for behavioral change. It is a realistic short-term goal for someone with impaired social functioning due to egocentrism.

Rationale for incorrect answers

1. One-on-one interaction requires initiative, emotional regulation, and social reciprocity, which may be premature for a client still struggling with egocentrism and impaired interpersonal skills.

2. Exchanging personal information implies a level of trust and social comfort that is typically achieved in later stages of therapeutic progress, not within early short-term goals.

4. Initiating a social relationship demands judgment and sustained interpersonal effort, which exceeds the scope of a short-term outcome for a client with impaired social interaction.

Take Home Points

Bipolar II disorder often presents with egocentrism and social withdrawal during depressive episodes.
Short-term goals should focus on internal motivation before expecting observable social behaviors.
Verbalizing desire to interact is a realistic and measurable early outcome.

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Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Manic phase bipolar disorder presents with elevated mood, impulsivity, and poor judgment, often resulting in loud, intrusive, and disruptive behavior. Clients may exhibit flight of ideas, pressured speech, and paranoia, which can destabilize group settings. In community meetings, the nurse must act swiftly to preserve safety, structure, and therapeutic integrity without escalating the situation.

Rationale for correct answer

1. Quietly escorting Ms. M out of the meeting uses non-confrontational redirection to remove the disruptive stimulus. It protects the group dynamic, prevents escalation, and allows for individualized de-escalation in a controlled setting.

Rationale for incorrect answers

2. Deferring responsibility undermines collaboration and delays intervention. As co-leader, the nurse shares accountability for maintaining structure and must act promptly to manage disruptive behavior.

3. Instructing Ms. B to respond invites conflict and emotional escalation. It risks reinforcing accusatory dynamics and compromising the psychological safety of both clients.

4. Telling Ms. M to stop and promising investigation may provoke defensiveness or further outbursts. It lacks therapeutic containment and may be perceived as invalidating or dismissive.

Take Home Points

Manic behavior in group settings requires immediate, calm redirection to preserve safety.
Nurses must act collaboratively and proactively to manage disruptive dynamics.
Avoid escalating conflict by involving accused clients or making public statements.
Individualized de-escalation outside the group setting is often the most therapeutic approach.

A. Patient will avoid involvement in self-help groups. B. Patient will adhere to medication regimen. C. Patient will demonstrate euphoric mood. D. Patient will maintain normal weight.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Continuation phase of bipolar disorder treatment follows acute symptom stabilization and focuses on relapse prevention, medication adherence, and psychosocial recovery. This phase typically spans 4 to 9 months and aims to consolidate gains made during the acute phase. The most critical goal is ensuring adherence to pharmacologic therapy, as discontinuation is a major predictor of relapse. Psychosocial education, monitoring for side effects, and gradual reintegration into daily routines are emphasized. Mood stabilization—not euphoria—is the therapeutic target, and weight management is monitored but not prioritized over psychiatric stability.

Rationale for correct answer

2. Adherence to the medication regimen is the cornerstone of the continuation phase. It prevents recurrence of mood episodes and supports long-term stability, making it the most appropriate outcome for this phase.

Rationale for incorrect answers

1. Avoiding self-help groups contradicts supportive care principles. Peer support enhances coping and reduces isolation, especially during recovery phases.

3. Euphoric mood is a symptom of mania, not a desired outcome. The goal is mood stabilization, not emotional elevation, which may signal relapse.

4. While maintaining weight is beneficial, it is not the primary objective in the continuation phase. Psychiatric stability and medication adherence take precedence.

Take Home Points

The continuation phase focuses on preventing relapse and reinforcing medication adherence.
Mood stabilization—not emotional highs—is the therapeutic goal in bipolar disorder.
Support groups and psychosocial interventions enhance recovery and reduce isolation.
Physical health monitoring is important but secondary to psychiatric stabilization during continuation treatment.

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A client diagnosed with bipolar II disorder has a nursing diagnosis of impaired social interactions related to egocentrism. Which short-term outcome is an appropriate expectation for this client problem?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Nadia has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Which is an outcome for Nadia in the continuation of treatment phase of bipolar disorder?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A major principle the nurse should observe when communicating with a patient experiencing elated mood is to:

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